Wales manager Ryan Giggs has been discussing the condition of Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu.
The Blues defender looked set to feature for his country during the ongoing international break but has been ruled out with a back injury.
Ampadu will miss Wales’ friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago and their European Championships qualifying match against Slovakia at the weekend.
Giggs, as quoted by BT Sport, discussed why the former Exeter academy graduate would miss the two fixtures, and drew comparisons to how ex-Liverpool star Steven Gerrard struggled with growing pains, too.
The Wales boss said:
He reminds me of Steven because he’s still growing. Every time we meet up I think he’s grown, or I’ve shrunk – one of the two! He’s growing out, he’s growing up, but he’s at that stage when he’s growing – in between playing and not playing.
I think that’s the main issue. Steven Gerrard had it, and a couple of players had it when they’re still growing, they pick up these little knocks and strains.
Ampadu has featured sporadically under Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri this season, with the Italian favouring more experienced options in the central defensive berths.
However, it seems he is held in high esteem by Giggs and the national team setup, with his injury issues evidently coming as a blow to the manager’s plans for Wales’ upcoming games.
